George Segall, Gene Kelly, Robert Shaw, Goldie Hawn, and Walter Matthau all shared hosting duties at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The show opened with a dance number and closed with a salute to the USA's Bicentennial. Louise Fletcher gave part of her acceptance speech in sign language to her deaf parents watching at home. The Hinderberg received 2 Special Achievement Awards for sound effects and visual effects. Dr. Jules C. Stein earned a Jean Hersholt humanitarian Award, Mervyn Leroy earned an Irving G Thalberg Award and an honorary Oscar was given to Mary Pickford for her contributions to the art of cinema.